John Lyons Kress

John Kress, also known as Jack, of Venice, FL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the age of 77. John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Maryann, and their two children, Kelly Kress of Los Angeles CA; JB Kress and his wife Beth, and their three children of Pittsburgh PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. & Mary Kress of Pittsburgh and his sister Patricia Pyle of Westchester, PA. John was born and grew up in the Brookline area of Pittsburgh PA. He belonged to Resurrection Church & attended their Catholic school. He proceeded to South Catholic High School, graduated from South Hills High School, and received a Bachelors Degree in business at Youngstown State, where he met his wife Maryann. John spent his entire 36-year career working in sales & marketing for Koppers, INC. He was transferred eight times, which allowed him the experience of visiting every state in the union and maintaining lifelong relationships with many wonderful people, customers, neighbors, and colleagues he met over the years. John was always physically active, whether it be playing softball, golf, tennis, bocce, or riding his bike. He loved reading and a good glass of red wine during his quiet times. He took an avid interest in his children's activities by coaching baseball, basketball, and football for his son, and taking his daughter horseback riding and attending her many track meets. He was a huge Pittsburgh sports fan–Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. He was the ECG/SECG ringleader in the Steelers Monday Morning Quarterbacking Society with his western buddies. Church was very important in his life. He was on the Parish Council at St. Paul's in Richardson TX in the 1980s, and took an active interest in both the church & St. Paul's Catholic school which the children attended. After returning to Pittsburgh, John joined and volunteered at St. John Capistran in Upper St. Clair. He is presently a member of Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice FL. Many of his friends and family considered him the great organizer. Whether it was the summer bowling league, trips, or dinner parties, he was your guy. John enjoyed people and had the unique ability to be professional and serious one moment, and humorous and fun loving the next. His generous, welcoming nature always put others at ease and he had a way of making people feel special. John had an aura of confidence & was very comfortable walking in his own shoes. After retirement, John also enjoyed traveling with his wife. He had some favorite all-inclusive destinations and loved cruises. Two trips to Scotland were the highlight of his travels, which enabled him to play some of the worlds' most historic and exclusive golf courses. He realized his dream of retirement in Florida when he and Maryann relocated to Venice FL in 2015. A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, July 31st at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1301 Center Road in Venice Fl. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34238 or to the American Cancer Society, 2970 University Park, # 104, Sarasota, Florida 34243. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida is handling the arrangements. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.farleyfuneralhome.com. Service Information Date: Friday, July 31, 2020 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Address: 1301 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 | Map